Step into the past and experience the rich history of Woolwich and the African & Caribbean Front Room at the Windrush Front Room Exhibition. Running from Tuesday 4 March to Sunday 16 March 2025, this immersive, award-winning exhibition will transport visitors back to a time when the Front Room was a place of great significance in the African and Caribbean community.
The exhibition showcases a nostalgic journey through the sights and sounds of the era, featuring iconic items such as the Glass Fish, Bluespot Gram, Jim Reeves LP, Plastic Pineapple ice bucket, home drinks bar, and the classic Axminster carpet. These objects embody the heart of a warm, welcoming home that tells the story of the Windrush generation.
The exhibition highlights the well-remembered homes of that generation, featuring a re-creation of a Caribbean front room. Curator Tony Fairweather, the son of Jamaican parents, said: “It’s about the preservation of the Windrush culture when they came off the boat in 1948.” Tony Fairweather is also the founder of the Windrush Collection, a touring exhibition of artefacts associated with the Windrush generation.
Special Events
To complement the exhibition, a series of events will take place throughout the duration of the exhibition.
Windrush Front Room: House Party – Friday 7 March | £6
Join curator Tony Fairweather for a very special house party that brings the spirit of the Windrush era to life. Expect a lively atmosphere with DJ sets, featuring Windrush-era classics alongside modern remixes. In addition to the music, enjoy moving images that highlight the cultural significance of the time. This event offers a celebration of both history and contemporary expressions of Windrush culture.
Windrush Front Room: Meet the Curator – Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 March | Free
This informal drop-in event offers a chance to meet Tony Fairweather, the curator of the Windrush Front Room exhibition. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, gain insight into the stories behind the exhibition, and learn about the work of the Windrush Collection. Visitors of all ages are welcome to explore the rich history shared through the objects and stories on display.
Windrush Front Room: Meet Authors K N Chimbiri and Juliet Coley – Saturday 8 March | Free
Award-winning children’s authors K N Chimbiri and Juliet Coley will share their work in a reading session that reflects African and Caribbean heritage. This event is perfect for younger visitors and families, providing an engaging way to connect with Windrush history through storytelling.
Windrush Front Room: Sunday Afternoon in the Front Room – Sunday 9 March | Free
Spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon with curator Tony Fairweather in the Windrush Front Room. This event will delve into the historical and cultural impact of the Windrush generation, exploring the role of the Front Room as a significant space within the home and the broader cultural impact it had within the community.
Windrush Front Room: Meet Some of the UK’s Top Authors – Saturday 15 March | £5
On this day, visitors can meet a panel of bestselling authors who have explored the African and Caribbean experience. Ray Shell, Atabang Esin Eminue, Garfield Robinson, and Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm will engage in a Q&A session, offering insights into their works and the influence of Windrush heritage in their writing. The event will also feature a book signing, providing attendees with an opportunity to purchase and have their books signed by the authors.
Windrush Front Room: Tales from the Blue Spot Gram – Sunday 16 March | Free
On the final day of the exhibition, join Tony Fairweather as he reads from his bestselling novel Twenty-Eight Pounds Ten Shillings: A Windrush Story. This personal and moving narrative provides an in-depth look at the Windrush generation and its legacy, bringing the era to life through the story’s compelling themes.
Location and Opening Hours
The exhibition will take place at the Visitors’ Book Café at Woolwich Works. Entry to the exhibition is free, and no tickets are required. The exhibition will be open during normal opening hours between Tuesday 4 March and Sunday 16 March 2025.
Opening times are as follows:
- Monday: 8am – 6pm
- Tuesday: 8am – 6pm
- Wednesday: 8am – 9:30pm
- Thursday: 8am – 11pm
- Friday: 8am – 11pm
- Saturday: 9am – 11pm
- Sunday: 10am – 9:30pm
Note: Outdoor areas close when the building closes or at 9pm.
For more information, visit the Windrush Front Room Exhibition page.